The Carolina Theatre was built in 1927; admission was 30 cents for adults and 10 cents for children. A Vitaphone sound system was installed in 1929 to prepare for the 'talkies' or motion pictures with sound. During the Depression, the Carolina Theatre was one of the only theaters in the state to show movies on Sundays, with a share of the proceeds going to assist the poor. It was reported to be the first theater in the South to show foreign films, and on weekday afternoons UNC students could attend showings of 'art' films and receive class credit.

What else was important to Franklin Street's history? Find out when the Chapel Hill Museum's permanent exhibit on Franklin Street's history opens in October. In addition to welcoming financial contributions, the museum is accepting photos, documents and memorabilia that help chronicle the history of Franklin Street. Call 967-1400 to loan or donate and be a part of history.